Fashion Forward

Style through the years

Photo: Ally Aubry

What’s in fashion? The better question might be… what isn’t? Some styles are cyclical but others are influenced by history itself. During those unique times when trends begin to shift, there are always periods where multiple styles are all at play at the same time. These changes have been happening throughout recorded history, but we don’t have to look to ancient civilizations to get an understanding. We only need to go back a few decades.

Photo: John Atherton

50s and 60s

The conservative dress of the 1950s was a direct result of Cold War and nuclear threat that followed World War II. Those were serious times! Suits and ties were the preferred style for men back home from battle and returning to the workforce. Even the leisurewear of the time would be considered dress wear today. The 60s counterculture movement began to rebel against the nature of the old guard and fashion was turned upside down into a sea of beads, scarves and tie-dyed colors. But if you look specifically at the early 60s, you’ll see that some of the conservative wear was still just as acceptable as the newer more hip clothing. For a few years, it seemed that anything went as far as fashion was concerned.

Photo: Tony Hall

70s, 80s and 90s

The counterculture movement changed as the younger kids got older and started having kids of their own. Lots of them! The baby boomer generation slowly returned to the old conservative ways as they saw the Cold War raging on, world leaders being assassinated, gas shortages leaving lines of cars around the block and the economy grinding to a halt. It didn’t help that a president left office under the threat of impeachment. Serious times! And that meant a return to serious fashion. As we entered the 80s, colorful designs returned for the kids, but trickle-down economics, the Reagan administration and the influence of Gordon Gecko on Wall Street were all punctuated by power suits, bold ties and wingtip shoes. The grunge movement of the 90s was in direct rebellion to the conservative 80s. And for the first time, style and trends were being influenced and connected by the internet. Dark colors and flannel were in while dayglow, neon and spandex were suddenly ancient history.

Photo: Chris Tse

2000 and beyond

As the new millennium approached, the influences of the 90s were still taking shape. You had cues from the hip hop community that brought baggy pants, lower waists and looser fitting tops. The emo/hipster look was just getting started with skinny jeans and hair that could be dark black or bright red, as long as it was straight and came with drooping bangs. Shoes were pointy instead of square-toe and the suit seen less often at the office. As we move a decade-and-a-half into this new century, instant information online can change trends so fast, multiple styles are at play at the same time. You can now just as easily wear a pair of tailored form-fitting jeans one day, a suit the next and a loose-fitting top the following day and never miss a beat.

Photo: Tony Hall

So what does it all mean?

Men and women in today’s world have the same unique opportunity to experiment with many style choices and experience completely different looks while staying in fashion. So get out there! Shop the fashion boutiques and don’t be afraid to try new things! During a time like this… anything goes.